Cape Town loves a good party! The Cape Town Street Parade, previously known as the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade or Kaapse Klopse, has been a long standing tradition in the city for the start of the New Year.

Its history goes back to the 1800s where slaves would get the day off on the 2nd January to celebrate the New Year. The first carnivals were dated the 1880s. Surviving through the apartheid era, refreshed and regenerated its now a force that unites the communities and involves the most vulnerable on the Cape Flats through opportunities for youth and cultural development and employment creation.

The parade is made up of different troupes - each with their own colours, outfits, and make up. Playing music, dancing and parading with colourful umbrellas its a sight to be seen! Spectators camp out to secure their spot, sometimes for 2 nights before the event, and stay for a couple of nights afterwards.

Its an event seen traditionally for members of the Cape coloured community, but hopefully with its re-branding others will come and experience the vibrance of the Kaapse Klopse for themselves. I certainly had fun!

I spent Wednesday evening with the team from Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay celebrating their launch. Its a truly beautiful space ... so many cosy nooks, beautiful views and inspiring spaces. And what a great group of people to be around on Wednesday evening! It was full of all my favourite people doing incredible work in Cape Town!

Cape Town loves a good party! The Cape Town Street Parade, previously known as the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade or Kaapse Klopse, has been a long standing tradition in the city for the start of the New Year.